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Solar panels are gradually becoming the perfect alternative to traditional energy sources. Whether you want to cut down on your electricity bill, move to greener energy sources, or want to become energy independent, solar energy is one of the best options. Buying solar panels, however, is not only limited to their installation.
Every home is different, and so are its solar panel requirements. When you decide to get solar panels for your home, you need to understand the various factors and consider what will best suit your needs.
To give a basic understanding of these factors, we have curated this solar panel guide.
What to look for when buying solar panels for your home?
1. Understanding your available space and home settings
Every home has a unique design. So it’s essential to understand your home settings and choose the right panel.
Whether you are installing the solar panels on your rooftop or ground, you need to consider:
- Space available: Consider the size and shape of the area where you want to install the panels and see what sized system it can accommodate. Also, think about the issues like shaded areas or spots that don’t receive sunlight.
- The direction of sunlight falling on the area: The direction of your solar panels relies on the position of the sun throughout the day and where they will receive the most sunlight. Although, you should also know that the direction affects the time when solar panels produce maximum energy. We recommend installing solar panels facing both west and east for optimum efficiency.
| Solar Panel Direction | Maximum Energy Production Time |
| East | Morning |
| West | Afternoon |
| North | Noon |
- Switchboard placement: Proper wiring and switchboard placement are essential factors for the maximum efficiency of solar panels. It’s better to install the inverters close to the main switchboard for easy accessibility.
2. Electricity Requirements
- Monthly spending on electricity bills
Before buying a solar panel, check your last 2-3 years’ electricity bills to evaluate your expenses and monthly power consumption. It will also help you understand your growing electricity consumption and predict future energy needs. Then accordingly, choose the solar panel setup that will lower your electricity bill.
- Consumption Time
As discussed above, solar panels facing a particular direction will produce maximum energy at a specific time. For this reason, you need to analyse which hours your home requires maximum solar energy. For example, if you use the most electricity in the morning, you can install panels facing the east.
- Appliances consuming maximum electricity
Your solar panel choice also depends on the type of appliances that are in use in your home, and how much electricity they use. For example, if you use power on electric devices like a TV and refrigerator, you can opt for the standard PV solar panels. If, however, most power goes into heating, you should consider thermal solar.
3. Budget
You don’t invest in solar panels every day, so plan your budget before making your purchase. On average, solar panels in Australia would cost you at least $3000. Ensure you are buying good quality solar panels, regardless of the size of your budget. Instead of reducing the initial cost, think about buying solar panels that will give you the best returns in the future. Whenever you decide to buy solar panels, expand your budget and go for high-quality panels.
4. Warranty
Checking the product’s warranties is crucial, so before buying solar panels, make sure you clearly understand the warranty period and what is included/excluded in the warranty. A high-quality solar panel comes with a minimum product warranty of 10 years and a performance warranty of 25 years. However, the warranty period differs for every brand.
5. Solar Battery Requirement
Batteries are one of the best ways to maximise your savings with solar system installation. Solar batteries are not a requirement, but there are many advantages to batteries and it is always better to get one. You can use them to save extra power for nighttime and days when the weather is poor. The size and number of batteries you need to rely on, depends on your home’s size and power requirements. The best option would be to consult with the installer about your battery requirements.
6. Efficiency
A solar panel’s performance relies on its solar absorbing and energy-producing efficiency. Generally, a good quality solar system offers 12%-21% efficiency. The higher the efficiency, the greater the electricity generation will be. Therefore, it’s essential to check the efficiency of the available solar systems. You should ask the solar panel suppliers for more information on efficiency levels before buying.
7. Manufacturer
Before buying a solar panel, it’s essential to consider the manufacturer or brand of the product. The country where the products are manufactured is not the main criterion but the brand. Give preference to brands with decades of experience manufacturing solar panels rather than going for a new brand.
As an experienced solar system manufacturer, we provide you with high-quality solar panels from brands like Sunpower, Trina, REC, Canadian, QCELL, Longi, Seraphim, and Jinko.
8. CEC Approved
The Clean Energy Council works as the primary body representing the clean energy sector in Australia. Solar modules need to pass the quality and safety standards of CEC. If your PV module has installation approval under small-scale technology certificates (STCs), you can install it at your home. Also, you should check for the solar installer’s accreditation under CEC.
Conclusion
Buying solar panels for your home is a crucial decision. To get the best solar system, you must consider all the aspects discussed above. Consult our specialist team for more queries about buying residential solar panels.
